The York University Lions volleyball teams hosted the Queen’s Gaels at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Saturday evening, capping off their weekend double-header. Both teams entered the evening looking to rebound from Friday’s losses, with the women seeking their fifth win of the season and the men pursuing their eighth.
The matches also marked the Lions’ annual Dig for the Cure games, with proceeds raised benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society. The men’s program also celebrated the 20th anniversary of their 2004-05 OUA championship victory by welcoming alumni from that historic season.
Women’s Match:
The opening set saw the 9-1 Gaels take an early 12-4 lead. The Lions battled back to tie the set at 19, but Queen’s scored five of the final six points and won the opening set 25-20. In the second set, York struggled to keep up with the Gaels’ efficient attacks and solid defense,as Queen’s led by as many as 12 in the second and went on to win it 25-15. The Lions were down 21-14 in the third, but fought back to score ten of the next 12 points and take a 24-23 lead, looking to force a fourth. However, the Gaels were able to force extra points and eventually won the set 28-26 to sweep the match 3-0.
Victoria Herrington and Brooklyn Parliament were key contributors for the Lions, delivering impactful kills and providing stability on both offense and defense. Setter Meghan Kociancic played a critical role in orchestrating York’s attack, distributing well-timed assists and displaying excellent court vision. The team also benefitted from the energy of substitutes like Kianna Drewniak, who delivered clutch points in the third set.
While the loss was a setback, the Lions showed some real moments and grit in this one, particularly in their comeback effort in the final set. They will look to channel that fighting spirit as they prepare for the winter term.
Men’s Match:
The opening set saw York come out firing, taking advantage of early errors by the Gaels to build momentum. With sharp attacking from Martin Prinsloo and Dennis Cota, the Lions established control, forcing Queen’s to call an early timeout at 15-9. Despite a late push from the Gaels, York’s cohesive defense and efficient setting from Aidan Labossiere helped secure the first set 25-19 to take a 1-0 lead.
York continued to dictate the pace in the second set, maintaining a strong offensive presence. The Lions capitalized on Queen’s service errors and showcased their blocking prowess, particularly through the likes of Chris Hoffman and Dennis Cota. The Gaels fought back with kills from Lachlan McBride and Nikola Mitrovic, but York’s consistency proved too much, as they closed the set at 25-20, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead.
The third set marked a shift in momentum, as Queen’s tightened their play and reduced unforced errors. Behind the strong serving of Reed Venning and the offensive firepower of McBride, the Gaels eked out a narrow 25-23 victory, keeping their hopes alive, down 2-1.
Unfazed by the setback, York regrouped in the fourth set. Early kills by Cota and Alex Ko energized the home crowd and set the tone for a decisive finish. The Lions’ defense came alive with critical blocks from Prinsloo and Labossiere, stifling the Queen’s offense. Although the Gaels attempted a late rally, York kept their composure under pressure and balanced team effort allowed them to clinch the set 25-19, sealing the match 3-1.
This victory is a big one for the No. 10 nationally ranked Lions, as it cements their position as a formidable contender in the OUA and their spot among the best in the country With their record now standing at 8-2, the Lions will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches as the season progresses.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the final games of the fall termnow behind them, both the Lions teams will return to action Jan 17. The women’s team, currently sitting at a 4-6 record and 10th place in the OUA standings, will be looking to bounce back when they take on the Nipissing Lakers in a doubleheader on January 17th and 18th. The women will play at 6:00 pm on the 17t and 4:00 pm on the 18th.
Meanwhile, the men’s team, coming off an impressive win, is tied with Queen’s for second in the OUA at 8-2. They will face the Toronto Varsity Blues in their first matches of the winter semester, with their first match starting at 8:00 pm and the second starting at 4:00 pm. With both teams performing at a high level, these matchups will be crucial as they continue to solidify their position in the OUA playoff picture.